A field three miles west of Webster, south of U.S. Highway 12 - is the future site of Coteau Hills Processors LLC's soybean crushing plant. Theoretically, a farmer's soybeans could fuel his tractor, feed his animals and also feed his family, said Lauren Johnson, Coteau Hills Processors vice chairman. Johnson, a Bristol farmer and others with Coteau Hills believe the beans will work their magic for the economy of northeast South Dakota, to the tune of $100 million to $150 million a year between soybean growers, around 21 employees and traffic generated. Seeing what the project could do for area communities is one reason people have invested in the the plant that will process 16,000 bushels of soybeans a day, said Nicole Rumpza, Coteau Hills Processors assistant. Potential investors - and others seeking more information on the project - are invited to a public meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 at Aberdeen's Ramkota Hotel. Right now, the completion date is unknown, said Don Wolter, Coteau Hills Processors chairman; rather, “when we reach $11 million” of the $32 million project. But he's confident there is enough interest for that to happen. According to the project's prospectus, the plant should open about 14 months after ground is broken. Fundraising is roughly halfway complete, with right around $5 million raised, Wolter said. In recent weeks, said Wolter, of Webster, a little more than $200,000 a week had been raised. About 35 people from all around eastern South Dakota, but mostly the northeast part, have invested thus far, he said. Coteau Hills Processors is finishing up a push to make sure everyone locally has heard about the project, and anyone who wants to is able to invest, Wolter said.